Iran: Human Rights Chief concerned over arrests, excessive force following polls

United Nations, New York, 19 June 2009 – Daily Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, said Friday she is concerned about reports of an increasing number of arrests in Iran. She also expressed concerns about the possible illegal use of excessive force and acts of violence by some militia members in the aftermath of the recent presidential elections. “The legal basis of the arrests that have been taking place, especially those of human rights defenders and political activists, is not clear,” Pillay said. The High Commissioner commended the largely peaceful and dignified conduct of the huge demonstrations that have been taking place in the Iranian capital, Teheran. But she expressed particular concern about reported acts of violence by members of the Basij militia, which may also be in contravention of international and Iranian national law. News Story: www.un.org